The Healing Power of Pets: How Animals Support Our Physical, Emotional, and Mental Well-Being

Every August 26, we celebrate National Dog Day, a time to recognize the special bond between people and dogs. But the relationship between humans and animals extends far beyond companionship.

Pets can play an important role in our daily routines, relationships, and emotional well-being. Research suggests that living with animals may be associated with benefits related to physical activity, social connection, companionship, and emotional health. While these benefits can vary from person to person, many individuals consider their pets an important source of comfort and support. [cdc.gov], [sciencedirect.com]

In hospice and palliative care, this bond can become even more meaningful. Whether through a beloved family pet or a structured animal-assisted intervention, animals may help create moments of connection, comfort, and joy during difficult times.

More Than Companionship: How Pets May Support Well-Being

They May Help Reduce Feelings of Loneliness

Pets provide companionship and can become a familiar, reassuring presence in everyday life. For people who live alone or have limited social interaction, caring for and spending time with a pet may offer a sense of connection and routine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that pets may help people manage loneliness and some symptoms associated with depression through companionship.

They May Promote Relaxation and Emotional Well-Being

Many people find that spending time with a pet helps them feel calmer and more relaxed. Research on human-dog interactions has identified changes in physiological markers associated with stress, including increases in oxytocin and decreases in cortisol in certain situations. However, findings vary across studies and are influenced by individual and environmental factors.

For this reason, experts generally describe interactions with animals as something that may contribute to emotional well-being and relaxation rather than a treatment for stress or anxiety.

They Encourage Physical Activity

Dogs, in particular, often encourage people to be more active. Walking, playing outdoors, and participating in daily activities together can increase opportunities for movement and exercise.

The CDC recognizes that pets can help create opportunities for physical activity, outdoor recreation, and social engagement. For older adults, these routines may support mobility and independence when appropriate to their health and abilities.

They Can Strengthen Social Connections

Pets often create natural opportunities for interaction with others. Conversations with neighbors, encounters during walks, and participation in pet-related activities can foster social engagement.

Studies of animal-assisted interventions have also reported positive effects on mood, well-being, and social interaction in certain populations.

They Provide Structure and Purpose

Caring for a pet requires daily responsibilities such as feeding, grooming, exercising, and attending veterinary appointments.

These activities can provide meaningful structure and a sense of purpose. For individuals spending significant time at home, these routines may become valuable parts of the day and help maintain engagement with daily life.

Children and Families May Benefit as Well

The relationship between children and pets goes beyond companionship. Research published by the CDC suggests that dogs may promote physical activity, outdoor play, and social interaction during childhood, factors associated with healthy lifestyle habits and chronic disease prevention.

Although additional research is needed, these findings suggest that responsible pet ownership can support healthy family environments and promote overall well-being.

Understanding Animal-Assisted Interventions

It is important to distinguish between pet ownership and Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs).

A pet may provide companionship simply by being part of someone's life. An AAI, however, is a structured interaction involving animals that is incorporated into healthcare, rehabilitation, or supportive care settings.

Research has reported promising outcomes from AAIs in areas such as mood, anxiety, stress, pain, and overall well-being. However, studies vary considerably in design, patient populations, intervention methods, and outcome measurements. As a result, researchers continue to call for more standardized and higher-quality studies.

A systematic review of animal-assisted interventions in oncology and palliative care patients reported improvements primarily in mood, pain perception, and quality of life, while also noting limitations due to small sample sizes and differences among studies.

The Role of Pets in Hospice and Palliative Care

Hospice care focuses on comfort, quality of life, and holistic support for people living with advanced illnesses and for the loved ones who care for them.

At this stage of life, emotional, social, and spiritual needs are just as important as physical comfort. For many individuals, pets represent family, cherished memories, and a sense of normalcy.

When safe and appropriate, maintaining the connection with a beloved animal may help support emotional well-being and preserve meaningful experiences.

 

Emotional Comfort

Animals can offer companionship without expectations or conversation. For patients experiencing sadness, anxiety, or isolation, having a pet nearby may provide comfort, familiarity, and a sense of calm.

 

Meaningful Memories and Conversations

Pets often become part of a person's life story. Talking about a beloved dog, cat, or other companion animal can encourage meaningful conversations between patients, caregivers, and family members.

These discussions can help patients share memories, strengthen relationships, and focus on experiences that bring joy and meaning.

 

Moments of Joy

A visit from a beloved pet can transform a difficult day.

Whether it is a wagging tail, a familiar look, or the simple act of petting an animal, these interactions may create positive emotional moments that support quality of life.

Research in palliative care settings has identified promising outcomes related to mood, well-being, social engagement, anxiety, and quality of life following animal-assisted interventions.

 

Support for Families and Caregivers

The emotional impact of serious illness affects not only patients but also their loved ones.

Pets can become a source of comfort and connection for entire families. Sharing time with a pet, recalling memories, and enjoying familiar routines together may help strengthen relationships and provide emotional support during challenging periods.

What Does the Research Say?

Recent research suggests that animal-assisted interventions may offer benefits in palliative care settings while also highlighting the need for further study.

A 2024 scoping review of Animal-Assisted Therapy in palliative care reported positive outcomes related to pain, anxiety, depression, mood, emotional support, social interaction, and overall well-being. At the same time, researchers emphasized the need for more standardized methods and larger studies to better understand these effects. 

This means that animal-assisted interventions should be viewed as a complementary form of support, not a replacement for medical treatment, symptom management, or professional hospice services.

The goal is to enhance care, not replace it.

Safety Considerations

While pets can provide many benefits, safety must always be considered, particularly in healthcare settings.

The CDC notes that animals can carry germs even when they appear healthy. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems may be at increased risk for certain animal-related illnesses.

When pets visit individuals receiving hospice care, caregivers should consider:

• The patient's health status and preferences.

• Potential allergies or sensitivities.

• Infection-control practices.

• Hand hygiene.

• The animal's health and temperament.

• Facility or organization safety policies.

The CDC recommends washing hands after touching, feeding, or caring for animals and after handling pet food, supplies, or waste.

A Bond That Brings Meaning

Pets are much more than companion animals. For many people, they are family members, trusted friends, and an important part of life's memories.

Evidence suggests that living with animals may contribute to physical, emotional, and social well-being, while animal-assisted interventions show promising potential as supportive tools in healthcare environments, including palliative and hospice care. 

In hospice care, where comfort, connection, and quality of life are central priorities, these relationships can hold special significance.

A gentle touch. A familiar face. A cherished memory. A wagging tail.

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come in the simplest forms.

This National Dog Day, let's celebrate the animals that bring companionship, comfort, and joy throughout every stage of life.

Editorial Note

The information presented in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on public health resources and scientific literature. Benefits associated with pets and animal-assisted interventions may vary depending on the individual, the animal, and the care setting. Animal-assisted interventions should be considered a complement to professional care and not a substitute for medical treatment, hospice services, or guidance from healthcare professionals.

Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ways to Stay Healthy Around Animals. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/index.html

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dogs. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/dogs.html

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pet Dogs and Children's Health: Opportunities for Chronic Disease Prevention? Preventing Chronic Disease, 2015. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2015/15_0204.htm#2

• Palomino-Lázaro, L., Rueda-Extremera, M., & Cantero-García, M. (2024). Animal-Assisted Therapy in Palliative Care: A Scoping Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1478264.

• Pinto, K. D., et al. (2021). Animal Assisted Intervention for Oncology and Palliative Care Patients: A Systematic Review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101347.

• Bert, F., Gualano, M. R., Camussi, E., Pieve, G., Voglino, G., & Siliquini, R. (2016). Animal Assisted Intervention: A Systematic Review of Benefits and Risks. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 8(5), 695-706.

• Teo, J. T., Johnstone, S. J., Römer, S. S., & Thomas, S. J. (2022). Psychophysiological Mechanisms Underlying the Potential Health Benefits of Human-Dog Interactions: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 180, 27-48.